PUBLICATIONS

1. Indoor/Outdoor Relationship of Fine Particles Less Than 2.5 µm (PM₂.₅) in Residential Homes in the Central Indian Region

Journal/Publication Name: Building and Environment, 2009, Vol. 44, pp. 2037–2045.

Pollutants Measured: PM₂.₅, PM₁.₀, PM₀.₅, PM₀.₂₅.

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor and outdoor locations in 14 residential homes across roadside, rural, and urban areas in Agra, India.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm 1.109 portable aerosol spectrometer for real-time PM mass concentrations; questionnaire surveys from 550 households on activities, health effects, and perceptions; linear regression for indoor-outdoor (I/O) correlations.

Key Findings: Indoor PM₂.₅ averages were highest in rural homes, followed by roadside and urban homes, while outdoor levels were higher overall. I/O ratios were ~1.0 or >1.0 in rural/roadside homes and <1.0 in urban homes, with positive correlations strongest in roadside homes. Elevated levels were linked to biomass cooking, mustard oil frying, smoking, incense, and mosquito coils; rural homes showed the highest short-term health symptoms. All PM₂.₅ levels exceeded WHO guidelines by 5 to 8 times. Recommendations include awareness programs, cleaner fuels, and improved ventilation.

2. Chemical Characterization of Water-Soluble Aerosols in Different Residential Environments of Semi-Arid Region of India

Journal/Publication Name: Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry, 2010, Vol. 62, pp. 121–138.

Pollutants Measured: PM₅, PM₂.₅, water-soluble ions.

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor-outdoor residential sites in Agra, India.

Instruments/Methods Used: WINS impactor, Handy sampler; ion chromatography, atomic absorption spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrophotometry; ultrasonic extraction and filter weighing.

Key Findings: Mean PM₂.₅ concentrations were 178 µg/m³ indoors and 195 µg/m³ outdoors; PM₅ levels were 231.8 µg/m³ indoors and 265.2 µg/m³ outdoors. Water-soluble ions comprised ~80% of PM₅ mass and ~70% of PM₂.₅. Outdoor trends followed road > rural > urban, while indoor trends were rural > roadside > urban. I/O ratios >1 indicated additional indoor sources at rural/roadside sites, with poor indoor-outdoor ion correlations. Major ions (Mg²⁺/Na⁺, Cl⁻/NO₃⁻/SO₄²⁻) were linked to crustal, vehicular, and biomass sources.

3. Children’s Exposure to Indoor Particulate Matter in Naturally Ventilated Schools in India

Journal/Publication Name: Indoor and Built Environment, 2011, Vol. 20, pp. 430–448.

Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, PM₁.₀; environmental parameters including CO₂, temperature, relative humidity, ventilation rates, and wind speed. Health symptoms assessed via questionnaire.

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor-outdoor classrooms in four naturally ventilated schools in Agra, India (two roadside, two residential). Included winter and summer campaigns, with sampling during school hours plus pre- and post-occupancy periods.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm 1.109 aerosol dust monitor; Young Environmental Systems multi-gas monitors for CO₂, temperature, RH, and ventilation; Wind Monitor WM 251 Envirotech for wind speed.

Key Findings: Winter indoor means (roadside, residential) were PM₁₀ 524.76 µg/m³, 153.37 µg/m³; PM₂.₅ 240.95 µg/m³, 60.61 µg/m³; PM₁.₀ 259.51 µg/m³, 38.39 µg/m³—all exceeding WHO 24-h guidelines by 3–10x. Summer levels were 2 to 3x lower overall. Average I/O ratios were ~1.41 across sites, with poor indoor-outdoor PM correlations but strong inter-PM correlations. Winter conditions averaged 19.47°C, 53.34% RH, 13.29 m³/h ventilation, and 834 ppm CO₂; summer conditions were 29.43°C, 72.25% RH, 42.02 m³/h ventilation, and 530 ppm CO₂. Questionnaire responses indicated ~50% of pupils reported poor ventilation/crowding as air quality issues, with common symptoms higher in roadside schools and linked to PM exposure, absenteeism, and reduced learning. Inferred sources included traffic/resuspension and crustal/seasonal inversions; recommendations focused on improved cleaning and ventilation controls.

4. Emission and Formation of Fine Particles from Hardcopy Devices: The Cause of Indoor Air Pollution

Journal/Publication Name: Chapter in Monitoring, Control and Effects of Air Pollution, 2011.

Pollutants Measured: Fine PM, VOCs, SVOCs, ozone.

Microenvironments Monitored: Office/home workspaces with printers/copiers.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm spectrometer; emission protocols; literature review.

Key Findings: Hardcopy devices emit 10,000 to100,000 particles/cm³, contributing 10 to 20% to indoor PM levels. These emissions are linked to pulmonary diseases, and the study advises adopting low-emission technology alongside improved ventilation.

5. Seasonal Trends of Coarse and Fine Particulate Matter in Indoor and Outdoor Environments of Residential Homes in North-Central India

Journal/Publication Name: Building and Environment, 2012, Vol. 47, pp. 223–231.

Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀, PM₅.₀, PM₂.₅, PM₁.₀.

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor and outdoor locations in 10 residential homes across roadside and urban areas in Agra, India.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm 1.109 portable aerosol spectrometer for real-time PM mass concentrations; meteorological station for temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction; YES-206 sensor for air exchange rates; occupant diaries/questionnaires on activities and health; SPSS for descriptive statistics, correlations, and ratios.

Key Findings: Annual PM₁₀ averages were highest at roadside sites compared to urban sites, with PM₂.₅ ranging from 161 to 230 µg/m³ at roadside locations and 109 to123 µg/m³ at urban sites. Concentrations peaked in winter due to low wind speeds, high humidity, and increased indoor heating/bonfires, dropping in summer/monsoon periods due to dispersion and washout. I/O ratios were ~0.9 to .0, accompanied by strong indoor-outdoor correlations. Inter-particulate ratios showed fine particles comprising 54 to 68% of total PM in winter. Major sources included biomass cooking, indoor smoking, vehicular traffic, and garbage burning. Levels exceeded Indian NAAQS by 3 to 4x and WHO guidelines by 11 to 23x, with higher fine PM linked to respiratory issues. Recommendations include improved ventilation, cleaner fuels, and policy awareness.

6. Particulate Matter Concentrations and Their Related Metal Toxicity in Rural Residential Environments of Semi-Arid Regions in India

Journal/Publication Name: Atmospheric Environment, DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.11.002.

Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, PM₁; trace metals in PM₂.₅.

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor and outdoor locations in 5 rural residential homes in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm 1.109 portable aerosol spectrometer for real-time PM mass concentrations; Envirotech APM 550 medium-volume sampler for PM₂.₅ on PTFE filters; Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 100 AAS for trace metal analysis post-HNO₃ digestion; meteorological monitoring; multivariate statistics for source apportionment; IRIS-based excess cancer risk assessment.

Key Findings: Annual average PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ concentrations exceeded Indian NAAQS by 3.6–5x and WHO guidelines by 10.8 to 20.3x, with indoor levels consistently higher than outdoor. Significant seasonal variations were observed, with I/O ratios >1.0 for most PM fractions and strong correlations between indoor/outdoor metals. Sources were identified as biomass combustion/soil dust and vehicular emissions/soil re-suspension; Cr showed the highest excess cancer risk. Recommendations include improved ventilation, cleaner fuels, and policy interventions for rural air quality.

7. Trace Metal Distributions and Source Identification in Indoor Particulate Matter across Urban, Rural, and Roadside Residential Sites in Semi-Arid Agra, India

Journal/Publication Name: Aerosol and Air Quality Research, DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2013.05.0147.

Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀, PM₂.₅; trace metals in both fractions.

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor living rooms in 5 homes each at urban, rural, and roadside sites in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, with simultaneous outdoor rooftop sampling.

Instruments/Methods Used: Envirotech APM-550 sampler with Win-Anderson impactor for PM₁₀/PM₂.₅ on 47 mm PTFE filters; Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 100 AAS for metals post-HNO₃ digestion; gravimetric analysis via four-digit balance; univariate Pearson correlations and principal component analysis for source apportionment; enrichment factors relative to outdoor crust composition.

Key Findings: Monthly average PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations far exceeded Indian NAAQS and WHO guidelines, with PM₂.₅ comprising 50–56% of PM₁₀ and highest levels in winter due to poor dispersion. Metal contributions were 6.2% of PM₂.₅ mass vs. 2.2% of PM₁₀, with metals concentrated in fine fractions. Pb exceeded NAAQS up to 5× at roadside sites and Ni up to 36× across sites, posing inhalation/dermal risks. PCA identified two sources indoor house dust/anthropogenic activities and outdoor infiltration. Inter-metal correlations highlighted common paint/dust origins. The study recommends ventilation improvements, lead-free paints, and emission controls to mitigate health effects like respiratory inflammation and carcinogenicity.

8. Indoor/Outdoor Relationship of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, PM₁.₀) and Ionic Species in School Environments in Agra, India

Journal/Publication Name: Atmospheric Pollution Research, 2015, Vol. 6, pp. 719–725. doi: 10.5094/APR.2015.080.

Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, PM₁.₀; water-soluble ions in settled dust (anions and cations).

Microenvironments Monitored: Indoor and outdoor environments of 10 schools in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India (5 roadside schools and 5 residentially located schools); one residential school as background/reference site. Sampling conducted January 2008–May 2009.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm 31-Channel Portable Aerosol Spectrometer for real-time PM mass concentrations; YES 205/206 multi-gas monitors for temperature, RH, ventilation rate; Envirotech WM251 for wind speed; Ion Chromatograph for anions; ICP-AES for cations; settled dust collection, ultrasonic extraction, filtration; enrichment factors using Ca as reference; Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation; Pearson correlation; questionnaire surveys for health symptoms among students.

Key Findings: Schoolchildren in Agra face alarmingly high indoor and outdoor PM levels, 4 to 26x above Indian NAAQS and WHO guidelines, with roadside schools exhibiting worse conditions due to traffic. Ionic analysis and PCA identified key sources including crustal/soil dust, vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and chalk dust. Health symptoms were more prevalent in roadside schools, signaling major risks.

9. Characterization of Coarse & Fine Particles in Different Microenvironments—Its Implications on Occupants

Journal/Publication Name: Advances in Environmental Biology, Vol. 8(15), pp. 61–66 (AENSI Publisher), 2016.
Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀, PM₅.₀, PM₂.₅, PM₁.₀, PM₀.₅, PM₀.₂₅.
Microenvironments Monitored: Offices, shops, supermarkets (Agra, 2011).
Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm spectrometer; diaries.
Key Findings. This paper focused on the characterization of coarse and fine particulate matter in indoor working environments of Agra, including offices, shops, and commercial buildings. Results showed that PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations consistently exceeded WHO and national standards, with offices recording the highest pollution levels. The study established a strong link between indoor human activities and elevated fine particle concentrations. Occupant health surveys indicated a higher prevalence of respiratory and irritation-related symptoms among office workers compared to other environments. Overall, the findings highlight indoor air quality as a significant yet under-recognized environmental health issue in Agra, calling for targeted control and awareness measures.

10. Particles in Different Indoor Microenvironments—Its Implications on Occupants

Journal/Publication Name: Building and Environment, Vol. 108, pp. 40–48, 2016.

Pollutants Measured: PM₁₀–PM₀.₂₅; PM₂.₅ metals.

Microenvironments Monitored: Offices, shops, commercial centers.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm; AAS; US EPA risks; PMF.

Key Findings: PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ concentrations in offices, shops, and commercial centers in Agra far exceeded WHO and NAAQS standards across all sites. Fine and ultrafine particles dominated indoor air, primarily due to indoor activities such as smoking, incense burning, dust resuspension, and emissions from office equipment. Chemical analysis revealed toxic metals, with nickel posing the highest excess cancer risk—though within prescribed limits. The study emphasizes the serious health implications of indoor air pollution in urban India.

11. Personal and Ambient PM₂.₅ Exposure Assessment in the City of Agra

Journal/Publication Name: Data in Brief, Vol. 6, pp. 100–109 (Elsevier), 2016.
Pollutants Measured: PM₂.₅ (personal/ambient).
Microenvironments Monitored: Homes, schools, offices (Agra, 2013–2014).
Instruments/Methods Used: PEM, APM 550; diaries; correlations.
Key Findings: The study presents key evidence that personal and ambient PM₂.₅ concentrations in Agra are alarmingly high across homes, schools, and offices, with schools showing the highest exposure levels. Average PM₂.₅ concentrations were found to be 2.5 to 4 times higher than Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards and over 11 times higher than WHO guidelines. Personal exposure levels were consistently higher than ambient levels, highlighting the strong influence of indoor activities and human behavior. Trace metal analysis revealed significant presence of Fe, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Ni, indicating both anthropogenic and indoor sources. Reported health symptoms were most prevalent among school occupants, underscoring serious public health concerns.

12. Mass and Number and Its Chemical Composition Distribution of Particulate Matter in Different Microenvironments

Journal/Publication Name: Chapter in Indoor Environment and Health, 2019.

Pollutants Measured: PM mass and number concentrations; chemical composition.

Microenvironments Monitored: Various indoor.

Instruments/Methods Used: Grimm spectrometer; chemical analysis.

Key Findings: The study reveals significant variations in particulate matter mass and number concentrations across different microenvironments, driven by local sources and human activities. Fine and ultrafine particles dominate number concentrations, whereas coarse particles contribute more substantially to mass concentrations. Indoor microenvironments often exhibit elevated PM levels due to resuspension, combustion activities, and limited ventilation, while outdoor environments are primarily influenced by traffic and regional sources. Chemical composition analysis indicates the presence of crustal elements, secondary inorganic aerosols, and anthropogenic components, highlighting mixed natural and human-induced origins. These findings emphasize the importance of microenvironment-specific exposure assessments for effective air quality management and health risk evaluations.

13. Influence of Microenvironments and Personal Activities on Personal PM₂.₅ Exposures among Children and Adults

Journal/Publication Name: Aerosol and Air Quality Research, Vol. 22, 2022.

Pollutants Measured: PM₂.₅.

Microenvironments Monitored: Homes, schools, offices.

Instruments/Methods Used: PEMs; diaries; regression.

Key Findings: The study found alarmingly high personal and ambient PM₂.₅ concentrations in homes, schools, and offices in Agra, exceeding national and WHO standards by several-fold. Schools and homes exhibited higher exposure levels than offices, primarily owing to traffic proximity, indoor activities, and inadequate ventilation. Personal exposures consistently surpassed ambient concentrations, underscoring the influence of daily activities such as cooking, smoking, incense burning, and cleaning. Children faced greater health impacts, including higher prevalence of headaches, respiratory irritation, and fatigue. Trace metal analysis confirmed significant anthropogenic contributions, highlighting the need for targeted indoor air quality management and awareness-based mitigation strategies.

14. Personal Exposure Monitoring in the School Environment in the City of Ghaziabad

Journal/Publication Name: International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, Vol. 9, 2022.

Pollutants Measured: PM₂.₅; metals.

Microenvironments Monitored: School vicinity.

Instruments/Methods Used: SKC PEMs; comparisons.

Key Findings: The study revealed alarmingly high personal PM₂.₅ exposures among school students in the Ghaziabad school environment during winter months. Measured PM₂.₅ concentrations exceeded National Ambient Air Quality Standards by 2.0 to 2.39 times and WHO guidelines by 4.83to 5.74 times, peaking in December and January. Elemental analysis indicated significant levels of metals such as Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu, stemming from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, chalk dust, and soil resuspension. Questionnaire surveys linked elevated PM₂.₅ exposure to increased respiratory, allergic, and neurological symptoms among students, highlighting serious health risks in school microenvironments.

15. PM₂.₅ Exposure Estimates for College Students and Health Risk Assessment

Journal/Publication Name: Environmental Geochemistry and Health, Vol. 46, 2024.

Pollutants Measured: PM₂.₅; metals. Microenvironments Monitored: Toll plazas. Instruments/Methods Used: PEMs; ICP-OES; PMF, Igeo, EF; US EPA models.

Key Findings: The study found significantly elevated PM₂.₅ concentrations at toll plazas in the Agra region, exceeding national ambient air quality standards to particularly during peak traffic hours. Primary contributors included high vehicular density, frequent idling, and emissions from diesel-powered heavy vehicles. Chemical analysis indicated substantial enrichment of toxic metals such as Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn in PM₂.₅, reflecting strong anthropogenic influences. Health risk assessments revealed higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for toll workers than for commuters, with inhalation as the dominant exposure pathway. Overall, the findings position toll plazas as critical pollution hotspots, underscoring the need for targeted mitigation strategies and occupational health protections.

16. Evaluation of Cigarette Smoking as a Potential Risk Factor in Transmission of Covid-19 Infection

Journal/Publication Name: International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR), Vol. 10(3), 2023.
Pollutants Measured: Smoke particulates (behavior focus).
Microenvironments Monitored: Households (COVID survey).
nstruments/Methods Used: Questionnaire (2000 participants).
Key Findings: The study reveals significantly elevated PM₂.₅ concentrations at toll plazas in the Agra region, exceeding national ambient air quality standards during peak traffic hours. High vehicular density, frequent idling, and diesel-powered heavy vehicles were identified as the primary contributors. Chemical analysis showed substantial enrichment of toxic metals such as Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn in PM₂.₅, indicating strong anthropogenic influence. Health risk assessment demonstrated higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for toll workers compared to commuters, with inhalation as the dominant exposure pathway. The findings highlight toll plazas as critical pollution hotspots requiring targeted mitigation and occupational health protection measures.

17. Transforming Indoor Air: Technologies and Interventions

Journal/Publication Name: Chapter in Indoor Environment and Health, 2025.

Pollutants Measured: PM, VOCs, metals.

Microenvironments Monitored: Various indoor.

Instruments/Methods Used: Literature; HEPA/filter reviews.

Key Findings: This chapter highlights that effective transformation of indoor air quality relies on a combination of technological solutions and behavioral interventions. Advanced ventilation systems, air filtration technologies, and air purification methods significantly reduce indoor particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and biological pollutants. The integration of smart sensors and real-time monitoring enables adaptive control of indoor environments, improving efficiency and occupant health. Additionally, source control measures—such as cleaner cooking fuels, reduced indoor smoking, and improved building design—play a crucial role. Collectively, these interventions demonstrate substantial potential to lower health risks, enhance comfort, and promote sustainable indoor living environments.

18. Preeclampsia and metal burdens: Comparative analysis of maternal and cord blood in Northern India. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 2026, 13(1), 144-152. https://doi.org/10.56975/ijrar.v13i1.330440 (IJRAR26A3451).

19. A Study of the Impact of Festival Associated Fireworks on Air Quality, Indian Journal of Air Pollution Control, VIII, 2, 23-29.

20. A Study on Indoor/Outdoor Concentration of Particulate Matter in Rural Residential Houses in India, 2009 Second International Conference on Environmental and Computer Science, ICECS '09: Proceedings of the 2009 Second International Conference on Environmental and Computer Science, Pages 218 - 223, 978-0-7695-3937-9/09 $26.00 © 2009 IEEE , https://doi.org/10.1109/ICECS.2009.45

21. Horizontal gradients of traffic related air pollutants near a major highway in Agra, India, Indian Journal of Radio & Space Physics Vol. 38, December 2009, pp. 338-346 .